EngadgetResearchers at the University of Maryland were able pull away color and chemicals from a block of wood to leave it impressively see-through. The result is a material that is both stronger and more insulating than glass, with better biodegradability than plastic. "We were very surprised by how transparent it could go," said Liangbing Hu, who wrote about the project in Advanced Materials.READ MORE

Bloomberg BNAEmployers with safety incentive programs that don't meet OSHA requirements can be cited for rule violations under a sweeping new record-keeping final rule the Labor Department announced May 11.
The new rule, which takes effect Aug. 10, also requires about 466,000 work sites to electronically submit annual injury and illness log data to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, enabling the agency to post on its public website summaries of each establishment's records. The electronic submission requirement starts taking effect in 2017 and will be phased in through 2019. READ MORE

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Jamsill Guard® Sill Pan Flashing Jamsill Guard® is an adjustable sill pan flashing designed to prevent water damage from window and door leaks. Made from high impact ABS plastic, Jamsill Guard® will not deteriorate or corrode over time. Our multi-piece telescoping design allows on-site adjustability to fit all rough openings and features sloped weep areas to help evacuate moisture to the exterior of the structure. Jamsill Guard® is bonded together on site using PVC cement, creating a one-piece sill pan flashing beneath your door or window.

Small Business TrendsResources and time are small business owners' personal demons. Supporting this fact is a Bank of America survey where small business owners voted to say that running their businesses was twice as stressful as handling relationships with a spouse and three times as stressful as raising children!
If you've felt that limited manpower and funds have been setbacks in terms of marketing your business, here are six simple ideas that will change your mind and your business.READ MORE

Eye On HousingIn last quarter's Remodeling Market Index, remodelers across the country were asked to rate the reasons why customers want to remodel on a scale of 1=Never/Almost Never to 5=Very Often. The reason that received the highest average rating was 'Desire for better/newer amenities', followed by 'Need to repair/replace old components', and 'Desire/need for more space'.
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Construction DiveIn construction, there's one process critical to the schedule and flow of a project that's out of a builder's control. No matter how organized and efficient a construction company is, everyone has to wait on the building department — whether it's for a plan review necessary to get a permit or a routine inspection. It's all a part of doing business, but what happens when there's a surge in construction activity, stressing the building department's resources? The answer: delays.
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By Michael J. Berens Amid signs that demand for new construction may be softening in some areas, hiring in the industry has slowed. At the same time, unemployment has fallen to just 6 percent, adding to concerns that a shortage of skilled labor could delay or defer future projects, further impeding growth. With fewer men entering the field, companies could help fill the employment gap by recruiting more women. But that will require changes that, up until now, the industry has been reluctant to make.
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The Associated Press via ABC NewsBuilders ramped up construction of new homes in April, suggesting that the market remains solid despite sluggish economic growth at the beginning of the year.
Housing starts climbed 6.6 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.17 million units, the Commerce Department said Tuesday. The increase makes up for much of March's 9.4 percent drop in starts, a decline that partially reflected the volatile swings in residential construction on a monthly basis.READ MORE